Posted on

New Jersey Schools Clash Over Student Cell Phone Bans as Statewide Policy Stalls

kids and cellphones 1 844221585

With the new school year just weeks away, New Jersey school districts are taking matters into their own hands over student cell phone use—while the state stalls on creating uniform rules

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Governor Phil Murphy called for a statewide ban on student cell phones during his State of the State address in January, citing classroom distractions and social media’s negative impact on mental health. The resulting bills, S3695/A4882, however, would only require the Commissioner of Education to draft guidelines within 90 days—if passed.

Continue reading New Jersey Schools Clash Over Student Cell Phone Bans as Statewide Policy Stalls

Posted on

Hackensack Board of Education Launches Investigation Into Former President Scott James-Vickery’s Final School Board Meeting

welcome to hackensackjpg 57ac95460fc95b711

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

HACKENSACK, NJ — The Hackensack Board of Education is investigating the use of Hackensack High School for a controversial December 18, 2024, school board meeting in which then-President Scott James-Vickery delivered a nearly hour-long farewell speech before resigning from his post.

Continue reading Hackensack Board of Education Launches Investigation Into Former President Scott James-Vickery’s Final School Board Meeting

Posted on

Accidental Weapon Discharge by Security Guard at Paramus Elementary School Sparks Investigation

Gun fall shot 1 2259114318

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, a school security guard at Midland Elementary School in Paramus accidentally discharged his firearm inside a staff-only bathroom on Monday, according to a letter from Superintendent Sean Adams sent to the community. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Continue reading Accidental Weapon Discharge by Security Guard at Paramus Elementary School Sparks Investigation

Posted on

Bergen County Student Sues Dream School Over Expulsion and Alleged Abuse by Principal

justice 2060093 1280

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teterboro NJ, , a Bergen County family has filed a lawsuit claiming their teenage son was wrongfully expelled and emotionally traumatized by the principal of his “dream school” — Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro.

Continue reading Bergen County Student Sues Dream School Over Expulsion and Alleged Abuse by Principal

Posted on

Ridgewood Eyes Community School Model: A Political Shift in Public Education?

IMG 5358 scaled

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as New Jersey continues to reshape public education, Ridgewood Public Schools may soon become the first district in Bergen County to embrace the Community School model—a structure already implemented in Paterson and Newark as part of their agreement with Governor Phil Murphy to restore local control after decades of state oversight.

Continue reading Ridgewood Eyes Community School Model: A Political Shift in Public Education?

Posted on

Tensions Rise in Palisades Park as School Board President Alleges Threat After Heated Meeting

Screenshot 2025 04 18 053349

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Palisades Park NJ,  the conflict between the Palisades Park Board of Education and the teachers’ union reached a boiling point during a special board meeting on April 11, where Board President Soo Chung claimed she received a life-threatening remark following a tense public session.

Continue reading Tensions Rise in Palisades Park as School Board President Alleges Threat After Heated Meeting

Posted on

New Jersey Rejects Trump Administration’s Order to Eliminate DEI Programs in Public Schools

alexandra harwin state seantor loretta weinberg 1525700964 60351

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Trenton NJ, like former Democrat Alabama Governor George Wallace, NJ Governor Phill Murphy has chosen to make a stand . New Jersey is refusing to comply with a federal directive from the Trump administration aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public education ie… government sanctioned racism and bigotry .

Continue reading New Jersey Rejects Trump Administration’s Order to Eliminate DEI Programs in Public Schools